The rescue operation to recover those still missing in the Panchagarh boat capsize incident is underway for the fifth day.
Fire Service and Civil Defence members started the rescue operations at around 6am on Thursday. They were later joined by locals.
On Wednesday, the total number of deceased in the tragic accident stood at 69. According to the district administration, three more people are still missing.
Additional District Magistrate Deepankar Kumar Ray confirmed the matter to Bangla Tribune.
The three missing are Bhupen, from Debiganj Upazila’s Shaldanga Union, Suren from Boda Upazila’s Sakoa Union and Jaya Rani from Panchagarh Sadar.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman is scheduled to visit the spot and provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased.
According to the district administration, each family will receive Tk50,000 from the state minister.
Rail minister aids families of deceased
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan also provided assistance to the families of the deceased.
He handed over cash Tk5,000 and sari and lungi among each family of the deceased from his own fund on Wednesday.
The minister visited every victim's house and also consoled the family members.
He expressed deep shock and prayed for the salvation of the departed souls.
He said the loss of the victims' families can never be fulfilled.
"But after the incident, we have to stand by them with economic assistance," he said.
On Sunday, the overloaded passenger boat carrying around 80 people, mostly Hindu devotees, sank in the middle of the Korotoa River while heading towards Badheshwar Temple on the occasion of Mahalaya.
Some 25 bodies were recovered from the river on that day only, while many others managed to swim ashore.
This is the worst waterways accident the country witnessed after the devastating fire incident in a Barguna-bound launch off the coast of Jhalakathi on December 24 last year that left 50 people dead.